Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

M

Associate Medical Writer @ Oxford PharmaGenesis

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

M

Associate Medical Writer @ Oxford PharmaGenesis

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

Science Ou

Associate Medical Writer @ Oxford PharmaGenesis

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

M

Associate Medical Writer @ Oxford PharmaGenesis

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Hello!

I'm Ryan Ellison

M

Associate Medical Writer @ Oxford PharmaGenesis

LinkedIn Substack Twitter

Position: Associate Medical Writer

Institution: Oxford PharmaGenesis

What I'm Reading

Grit - Angela Duckworth
Medical Writing: A Prescription for Clarity - Martin B. Edwards and Neville W. Goodman
Don't be such a scientist - Randy Olson

About

About Me

I’m Ryan, an Associate Medical Writer working at Oxford PharmaGenesis. I’m a naturally curious, driven person, with a passion for understanding how things work. I recently completed a PhD at the Univeristy of York, where I investigated how mutations in the gene FGFR3 might contribute to the formation and progression of Bladder Cancer.

I’m also passionate about science outreach and teaching - I love it when you get a question from someone that shows they’re really engaged in what you’re saying. When you’re explaining something to a student, it’s very rewarding when you see them have that “Aha!” moment. I have >40 hours of experience as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, teaching in lab practicals, problem classes, and marking reports.

  • Skills: Research, writing, speaking, teamwork, project management
  • Education: PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Masters in Biochemistry
  • Qualifications: Human Tissue Authority Level 2, Epigeum: Research Integrity in Biomedical Sciences, ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management
  • Interests: Kendo, Reading, Teaching

Resume

Resume

PhD in Biomedical Science, now working in Medical Writing. I am passionate about teaching and outreach, and I love to engage with students and the public to discuss scientific research.

Experience


May 2025 - Current

Associate Medical Writer

Oxford PharmaGenesis

Jan - April, 2025

Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

See Below.

October - December, 2024

Bereavement Officer (Band 2)

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Received calls from bereaved families, offering compassion at all times.
  • Liased with hospital doctors, the medical examiner and medical examiner officers to ensure accurate and timely completion of documentation necessary for death certification.
  • Ensured timely and comprehensive communication with the Coroner's office and funeral directors.
  • Took on an increased level of responsibility, as this role is typically advertised at Band 4.

    • July - October, 2024

    Medical Lab Assistant (Band 2)

    Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Work as part of a team in fast-paced enviroment.
  • Multi-tasking and constantly adapting to shifting priorities and changing workflow needs.
  • Contribute to ensuring a timely and accurate histopathology service for patients.
  • As part of this role, completed training in conflict resolution and information governance.

    • 2018

    Laidlaw Scholarship

    University of Oxford and Aix-Marseille Université

    Laboratory project to genetically engineer E. coli bacteria which can recognise and kill Colorectal Cancer cells.

  • Researched background literature and developed a successful project proposal to obtain >£8000 funding.
  • Obtained Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 certificate and completed Epigeum course of Research Integrity in Biomedical Sciences.



    • Education


    2020-2025

    PhD in Biomedical Sciences

    University of York

    PhD in Biomedical Science. You can read my thesis here!

  • Laboratory project investigating how mutation of the gene FGFR3 may induce changes in the normal bladder epithelial lining and whether this drives development of bladder cancer.
  • Strong communication skills developed through regular lab meetings, national and international conferences presenting posters and research talks, as well as numerous outreach events.
  • Effective project management and self-organisational skills, developed through scheduling of experiments across multiple projects simultaneously. Balanced short-term goals and report and conference deadlines with long-term project goals.
  • Overcame numerous experimental and technical setbacks. Each time I was able to push through and adapt in order to continue my research, and as such I have developed a high level of resilience.
  • Ran “Meet a PhD” outreach sessions where undergraduate students could speak to postgraduates in a relaxed environment to find out if they wanted to undertake postgraduate study. I have also delivered several outreach talks at Sixth form colleges about degrees and careers in science, and also delivered a series of laboratory practicals to sixth form students to show them how lab techniques can inform on cancer treatment.
  • Started my own outreach website and blog to inform students thinking about postgraduate study on topics such as how to find PhD funding, and what studying for a PhD is actually like.
    • 2016-2020

    Undergraduate and Integrated Masters in Biochemistry

    University of Oxford

    MBiochem (Hons) - Upper Second Class (2:1)

  • Laboratory project investigating which parts of the protein Mad1 are required for cells to control the timing of how they divide.
  • As a guest author, wrote a historical perspective article for The Oxford Scientist the History of Blood Transfusions.
  • As President of the Kendo Club, organised equipment orders and tournament entry and chaired executive committee meetings. Also liaised with the Treasurer to obtain club grants and submit annual financial reports.
    • 2014-2016

    Sixth Form

    Carmel Sixth Form College

    A Level - Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Mathematics (A). AS Level - Psychology (B) and EPQ (A*).

    2011-2014

    Higher Secondary School

    Rainhill High School

    GCSEs - 8 A*and 4 A’s including English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

    Download CV

    Presentation and Outreach

    Presentations and Outreach

    Below is a list of academic presentations and outreach events I have been involved in.

    LIMS in action! (STEM Ambassador) May 2025

    Outreach talk to several groups of sixth form students about Laboratory Information Management Systems in real-world scenarios, including a University research lab as an NHS hospital lab.

    University of York Graduate Symposium 2023

    Research Talk.

    York Against Cancer ENTHUSE partnership lab outreach day

    Assisted in delivery of lab outreach event - "DNA fingerprinting in cancer" - to high school and sixth form students.


    York Against Cancer Volunteer Celebration Teaparty 2023

    Outreach Talk.

    International Bladder Cancer Network 2022 (Barcelona)

    Flash Talk and Poster Presentation.

    University of York Biology Research Away Day 2022 (York)

    Poster Presentation.

    British Association for Cancer Research 60th Anniversary Conference (Nottingham)

    Poster Presentation; Awarded funding to attend.


    You can read my blog on Substack

    I write about what it's really like to study for a PhD


    Substack

    PhD Phriday is going on break

    It's not goodbye, just see you later!

    Ryan Ellison
    Aug 29
    1
    A (Wednes)Day in the Life of a PhD Student

    What is it that we actually do? (Part 2)

    Ryan Ellison
    Aug 25
    A (Thurs)day in the life of a PhD student

    What do we actually do?

    Ryan Ellison
    Aug 25
    Should everyone learn to code?

    The answer probably won't surprise you...

    Ryan Ellison
    Aug 18
    Interview with a PhD - Sienna Butterfield

    Allying with industry to improve antibody production

    Ryan Ellison
    Aug 16
    Websites and software resources for PhD students

    From cell model databases to figure-making

    Ryan Ellison
    Aug 11

    Contact

    Contact Me

    Please get in touch with me here or click the button below

    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    February 7, 2023
    Last week I posted about 4 things to consider before applying for a PhD. This week, here's an article about what the PhD application process looks like. I talk about the written application and interview stages, as well as things to consider at each stage.
    https://lnkd.in/eTZDRBTS
    #phd #stage #application
    Read more
    6
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    February 1, 2023
    Considering applying for a PhD, but unsure about whether it's a good fit? Here's four things that I think you should consider before applying for a PhD:
    1) Why do you want to do a PhD?
    2) Is a PhD the best way to achieve your career goals?
    3) Is a PhD financially suitable for you?
    4) If you do want to study for a PhD, what factors associated wth the position are important to you (e.g. location, lab culture, project topic, etc)?
    More detail can be found here:
    https://lnkd.in/eJH_Bqzc
    #phd #career #blog
    Read more
    16
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    February 1, 2023
    So recently I've decided to start a blog to try and increase the amount of information avaialble to those applying for postgrad study (particularly PhDs) about how to find projects and apply, and what the PhD experience is actually like:
    Read more
    16
    2
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    July 14, 2022
    On the 7th of August I’ll be running the York 10K to raise money for a local charity, York Against Cancer. I’m running with Dr Andrew Mason, who I work with at the Jack Birch Unit. This is a lab researching mechanisms and causes of bladder cancer, and is just one of the great initiatives funded by York Against Cancer!
    Please donate at the link below to help York Against Cancer continue their great work and fund life-saving research:
    https://lnkd.in/ep-WhsRZ

    #charity #research
    Read more
    York 10k for York Against Cancer
    York 10k for York Against Cancer
    lnkd.in
    7
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    April 16, 2019
    Interesting article about why diversity and different perspectives are important in all fields.
    Read more
    The deadly truth about a world built for men – from stab vests to car crashes
    The deadly truth about a world built for men – from stab vests to car crashes
    www.theguardian.com
    2
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    June 1
    Open Pharma pointed out a very interesting article from Absolutely Maybe on PLOS blogs a few weeks ago. The article, written by Hilda Bastian, discusses an exciting initiative by the German National Library of Medicine to develop an open source alternative to PubMed.
    Anyone who has worked in research will know that PubMed provides a crucial service that many of take for granted. It's hard to imagine reviewing the literature necessary for my PhD without having the access that PubMed provides.
    I think that the possibility for an open-source literature repository and search engine represents an exciting opportunity for us to further advance open science. I really hope this project comes to fruition.
    The original article by Hilda Bastian can be found here:
    https://lnkd.in/eQa6RST8

    You can read more about the project - the Open life science publication database or "OLSpub" here:
    https://lnkd.in/eRaGdyZB
    Read more
    Germany's Plan for an Open and Independent PubMed Safety Net - Absolutely Maybe
    Germany's Plan for an Open and Independent PubMed Safety Net - Absolutely Maybe
    lnkd.in
    5
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    May 22
    Life has been busy lately. At the end of last year I submitted my PhD thesis for examination and then had my PhD viva exam. After making some corrections to my thesis, I am happy to report that I have successfully completed my PhD in Biomedical Sciences. In my research I investigated mutations in a gene called FGFR3 and what role they might play in the development and progression of bladder cancer. If you want to read about my research you can read my thesis at the link below. Since the thesis is currently redacted, just click “request a copy” to send me a request email.
    https://lnkd.in/dhmfkZWc

    I’m also very happy to say that I have joined Oxford PharmaGenesis as an Associate Medical Writer. I can’t wait to put the skills developed during my PhD to use out in the world!
    Photo below taken minutes after passing my viva...
    Read more
    Life has been busy lately. At the end of last year I submitted my PhD thesis for examination and...
    47
    6
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    May 22
    A few weeks ago I visited Trafford College to give an outreach talk about Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) - interesting I know! I used real-world examples of how LIMS are used in research labs and NHS labs based on my previosu experiences to make the topic more engaging. Thank you you to Sandra Badcock for this great opportunity!

    On another note, if you're interested in running a similar outreach activity either remotely or in the south-east of England, please feel free to reach out!
    Read more
    A few weeks ago I visited Trafford College to give an outreach talk about Laboratory Information...
    6
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 25, 2023
    Happy Friday! This week I've prepared two "day in the life of" posts to hopefully give you an insight into what it is that PhD students actually do!
    You can find them here:
    Read more
    A (Wednes)Day in the Life of a PhD Student
    A (Wednes)Day in the Life of a PhD Student
    open.substack.com
    5
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 18, 2023
    Happy Friday! This week I'm talking about learning to code!
    Why should you bother, and what are some the difficutlies you can expect to face? I finish up with some great resources for beginners wanting to get into coding!
    Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2GEkJfr
    Read more
    Happy Friday! This week I'm talking about learning to code! Why should you bother, and what are...
    3
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 16, 2023
    Ever wonder what it's like doing a PhD? I recently spoke with Sienna Butterfield about her experience so far. She's partnering with Fujifilm Diosynth to improve therapeutic antibody production!
    Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dbm-UK3a
    Read more
    Ever wonder what it's like doing a PhD? I recently spoke with Sienna Butterfield about her...
    12
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 11, 2023
    Happy Friday! Bit of a late one today. This week's post is a collection of useful websites and software tools for PhD students. These cover topics such as literature searching, keeping a database of references, and making figures:
    https://lnkd.in/e4Taizjj

    As it says in the post, this is an ongoing list, so if you have any suggestions of resources that should be added, please let me know!
    Read more
    Happy Friday! Bit of a late one today. This week's post is a collection of useful websites and...
    1
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 4, 2023
    New PhD Phriday article! Today I'm talking about the pros and cons of in-person vs virtual conferences. You can read more here:
    https://lnkd.in/eDjvYQ_5
    Read more
    New PhD Phriday article! Today I'm talking about the pros and cons of in-person vs virtual...
    2
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 2, 2023
    Today marks the start of a new mini-series: "Interview with a PhD". Over the coming months I'm planning to release interviews I've conducted with various PhD students, to give people an insight into what "doing a PhD" is actually like!
    The first interview is with Imran Khan, a microbiology PhD student at the University of York!
    https://lnkd.in/ee_fkDZR
    Read more
    Today marks the start of a new mini-series: "Interview with a PhD". Over the coming months I'm...
    6
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    July 28, 2023
    This week's post is about how to strike a balance between teaching and research activities as a PhD student! Check it out below:
    https://lnkd.in/edEJC7Y9
    Read more
    This week's post is about how to strike a balance between teaching and research activities as a...
    3
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    February 7, 2023
    Last week I posted about 4 things to consider before applying for a PhD. This week, here's an article about what the PhD application process looks like. I talk about the written application and interview stages, as well as things to consider at each stage.
    https://lnkd.in/eTZDRBTS
    #phd #stage #application
    Read more
    6
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    February 1, 2023
    Considering applying for a PhD, but unsure about whether it's a good fit? Here's four things that I think you should consider before applying for a PhD:
    1) Why do you want to do a PhD?
    2) Is a PhD the best way to achieve your career goals?
    3) Is a PhD financially suitable for you?
    4) If you do want to study for a PhD, what factors associated wth the position are important to you (e.g. location, lab culture, project topic, etc)?
    More detail can be found here:
    https://lnkd.in/eJH_Bqzc
    #phd #career #blog
    Read more
    16
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    February 1, 2023
    So recently I've decided to start a blog to try and increase the amount of information avaialble to those applying for postgrad study (particularly PhDs) about how to find projects and apply, and what the PhD experience is actually like:
    Read more
    16
    2
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    July 14, 2022
    On the 7th of August I’ll be running the York 10K to raise money for a local charity, York Against Cancer. I’m running with Dr Andrew Mason, who I work with at the Jack Birch Unit. This is a lab researching mechanisms and causes of bladder cancer, and is just one of the great initiatives funded by York Against Cancer!
    Please donate at the link below to help York Against Cancer continue their great work and fund life-saving research:
    https://lnkd.in/ep-WhsRZ

    #charity #research
    Read more
    York 10k for York Against Cancer
    York 10k for York Against Cancer
    lnkd.in
    7
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    April 16, 2019
    Interesting article about why diversity and different perspectives are important in all fields.
    Read more
    The deadly truth about a world built for men – from stab vests to car crashes
    The deadly truth about a world built for men – from stab vests to car crashes
    www.theguardian.com
    2
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    June 1
    Open Pharma pointed out a very interesting article from Absolutely Maybe on PLOS blogs a few weeks ago. The article, written by Hilda Bastian, discusses an exciting initiative by the German National Library of Medicine to develop an open source alternative to PubMed.
    Anyone who has worked in research will know that PubMed provides a crucial service that many of take for granted. It's hard to imagine reviewing the literature necessary for my PhD without having the access that PubMed provides.
    I think that the possibility for an open-source literature repository and search engine represents an exciting opportunity for us to further advance open science. I really hope this project comes to fruition.
    The original article by Hilda Bastian can be found here:
    https://lnkd.in/eQa6RST8

    You can read more about the project - the Open life science publication database or "OLSpub" here:
    https://lnkd.in/eRaGdyZB
    Read more
    Germany's Plan for an Open and Independent PubMed Safety Net - Absolutely Maybe
    Germany's Plan for an Open and Independent PubMed Safety Net - Absolutely Maybe
    lnkd.in
    5
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    May 22
    Life has been busy lately. At the end of last year I submitted my PhD thesis for examination and then had my PhD viva exam. After making some corrections to my thesis, I am happy to report that I have successfully completed my PhD in Biomedical Sciences. In my research I investigated mutations in a gene called FGFR3 and what role they might play in the development and progression of bladder cancer. If you want to read about my research you can read my thesis at the link below. Since the thesis is currently redacted, just click “request a copy” to send me a request email.
    https://lnkd.in/dhmfkZWc

    I’m also very happy to say that I have joined Oxford PharmaGenesis as an Associate Medical Writer. I can’t wait to put the skills developed during my PhD to use out in the world!
    Photo below taken minutes after passing my viva...
    Read more
    Life has been busy lately. At the end of last year I submitted my PhD thesis for examination and...
    47
    6
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    May 22
    A few weeks ago I visited Trafford College to give an outreach talk about Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) - interesting I know! I used real-world examples of how LIMS are used in research labs and NHS labs based on my previosu experiences to make the topic more engaging. Thank you you to Sandra Badcock for this great opportunity!

    On another note, if you're interested in running a similar outreach activity either remotely or in the south-east of England, please feel free to reach out!
    Read more
    A few weeks ago I visited Trafford College to give an outreach talk about Laboratory Information...
    6
    1
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 25, 2023
    Happy Friday! This week I've prepared two "day in the life of" posts to hopefully give you an insight into what it is that PhD students actually do!
    You can find them here:
    Read more
    A (Wednes)Day in the Life of a PhD Student
    A (Wednes)Day in the Life of a PhD Student
    open.substack.com
    5
    0
    Ryan Ellison
    Ryan Ellison
    August 18, 2023
    Happy Friday! This week I'm talking about learning to code!
    Why should you bother, and what are some the difficutlies you can expect to face? I finish up with some great resources for beginners wanting to get into coding!
    Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2GEkJfr
    Read more
    Happy Friday! This week I'm talking about learning to code! Why should you bother, and what are...
    3
    0
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